Bengal Phase 2 Voting LIVE: CM Mamata Alleges Bias By Central Forces After Casting Vote; Turnout Crosses 78%

More than 78 per cent of 3.21 crore electors cast their votes in the second and final phase of West Bengal assembly polls on Wednesday.The turnout remained almost parallel to phase one, which had recorded over 78.77 per cent polling till 3 pm.

Purba Bardhaman recorded the highest turnout at 83.11 per cent, followed by Hooghly at 80.77 per cent and Nadia at 79.79 per cent.

Howrah registered 77.73 per cent polling, North 24 Parganas 77.39 per cent, while Kolkata North and Kolkata South recorded 78 per cent and 75.38 per cent turnout respectively. South 24 Parganas, where several prestige contests are underway, registered 76.75 per cent voting

TMC supremo and Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee condemned “atrocities” and said that she has “never seen this type of democracy” as he said that no state police was allowed at any booth and CRPF has “captured” it all.

She told reporters, "From yesterday night they started atrocities, and they arrested so many of our people. It is a contempt of court. I have never seen this type of democracy... Trinamool is winning... CRPF cannot torture like this. There is no state police at any booth. They have captured it all. They should secure the border. Instead of doing that, they are securing one political party... I have never seen this. I have been fighting my election since 1984, but the atrocities are terrible…”

TMC candidate from Beleghata assembly Constituency, Kunal Ghosh, shows his inked finger after casting his vote.

He said, "Our target is 100 per cent. The heavier polling takes place, the better the chances of Mamata Banerjee coming back to power. There is no major problem in voting anywhere except for some places. Our agents are present everywhere... We are roaming everywhere and ensuring that no issues take place anywhere."

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari reached the same polling booth area in Bhabanipur's Chakraberia on Wednesday morning, where they took digs at each other without any direct interaction, news agency PTI reported.

Though they did not come face to face or exchange greetings, the two rival candidates were present for a short time in ward number 70 of Chakraberia, where Banerjee was sitting outside a local party office after receiving complaints of alleged intimidation of local Trinamool Congress leaders.

So far, over 61 per cent voting percentage has been recorded in Bengal. However, as per state Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar, the figure may surpass the figures of first phase, when the state saw over 93 per centpolling.

"In the first phase, West Bengal showed the country that a 93 per cent voter turnout is possible, and that elections can be free and fair. In this phase as well, we aim to match or even exceed that benchmark," Agarwal said, as quoted by PTI.

The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) is contesting to repeat its government in the eastern state for the fourth time in a row. BJP, the main opposition party for the past few years, is fighting hard to form its government for the first time in West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said, "Voting for the second phase is underway in Bengal, and reports indicate a massive turnout, with people stepping out in large numbers just like in the first phase. Images of long queues at polling stations are flooding social media, reflecting the enthusiasm of the people to exercise their democratic right."

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday casts his vote during the final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections. "From 7 am onwards, Mamata Banerjee could be seen outside. It is because she knows that the TMC govt is going now. Mamata Banerjee’s and Abhishek Banerjee’s attitude makes it clear that TMC will be losing and BJP will come to power. I thank the public for leaving behind all fears and coming out to vote. BJP will win over 200 seats in Bengal," he said.,

CRPF personnel and local police were forced to resort to a mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd at a polling station where Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition and BJP candidate for both Bhabanipur and Nandigram, was surrounded by a group of TMC supporters during his visit to monitor the voting process.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), 61.1 per cent turnout was recorded till 1 PM.

As West Bengal votes in the second phase of the assembly elections, the BJP has accused the TMC of major election malpractice. Amit Malviya, the BJP's media in-charge, said the option to vote for the BJP was "blocked using a tape" in several polling booths in Falta in the Diamond Harbour area.

In a post, Malviya said, "In several polling booths, the option to vote for the BJP has been blocked using a tape, effectively preventing voters from exercising their choice. This is the so-called "Diamond Harbour Model, the same template that helped Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee secure his Lok Sabha seat."

State LoP and BJP candidate from Bhabanipur and Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikari, was allegedly surrounded by Trinamool Congress workers in Kalighat. The workers raised ‘Joy Bangla’ slogans after the BJP leader visited a polling station in the area.

Former cricketer Sourav Ganguly and his wife Dona cast their votes at a polling booth in South 24 Parganas during the second phase of elections.

As the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election ends, the focus will shift to exit polls. However, per the Election Commission's mandate, the exit polls are strictly prohibited until 6:30 PM today.

"The Election Commission under Section 126A of the RP Act 1951, has notified that the conduct of exit poll and dissemination of their results by means of print or electronic media is prohibited between 7:00 AM on 9 April 2026 (Thursday) and 6.30 PM on 29 April 2026 (Wednesday)," the poll body said.,

BJP candidate from Entally constituency Priyanka Tibrewal on Wednesday said, "I appeal to the people that all of you come out and vote with an open heart. The people of West Bengal were not getting the right to vote; today that right has been obtained, so use this right openly... Here, goons are trying to stop people from voting, but still, people are coming out to vote. I request the Election Commission to enforce the rules that have been made..."

Speaking to ANI, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Thakur said, “Last night, I got a call over a complaint against me in the Election Commission that I was distributing money in the Bagda constituency. But I was at my own home. Central Forces personnel threatened several leaders to not leave their houses to cast a vote. This is the first time such a thing has happened. BJP with the Election Commission is doing 'tandav' in West Bengal. We had never seen such a thing before. The public will make it clear what they want.”

39.97 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 11 AM. The highest turnout was witnessed in Purba Bardhaman, where 44.5 per cent voting was recorded, according to the ECI.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), 39.97 turnout was recorded till 11 AM.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the BJP said, "Central forces are patrolling Kolkata to ensure Trinamool goons remain in their homes and people can step out and vote freely without fear or intimidation."

A BJP candidate from the Basanti Assembly constituency claimed an attack on his car by TMC workers. Speaking to ANI, he said, "Gundagiri by TMC is happening everywhere in the constituency. 200-250 TMC goons attacked my car with rods and bamboo sticks. They also attacked my driver."

A BJP polling agent, identified as Mosharraf Mir, alleged an attack by TMC 'goons' during the early hours of polling on Wednesday.

Mir, a polling agent at booth number 52 of Hatra Panchayat, Chapra Assembly constituency in Bengal, said, "Janiallamulla is a criminal. He had a gun, and two other men also had guns. They were brandishing them. Then, about 15-20 more people came towards us. They had iron rods and canes. They attacked me first and hit me, causing me to fall down. After that, they kept hitting me again and again. They also attacked the people with me. I have six stitches on my head."

Violence and vandalism were reported during the early hours of voting for the second phase in multiple locations, including Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala and Bhangar.

18.39 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 9 AM. The highest turnout was witnessed in Purba Bardhaman, where 20.86 per cent voting was recorded, according to the ECI.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday questioned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "Section 163 (of BNSS) is in effect here. Mamata Banerjee is walking around with several people. Why is Mamata Banerjee roaming here?"

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O Brien, in a video, said, "Narendra, you had announced that you are the candidate for all 294 seats in Bengal. Drop the big talk. Accept this challenge. On 4 May, when Mamata Banerjee and TMC win Bengal, resign from the Prime Minister's post."

According to news agency PTI, a clash broke out between TMC and ISF supporters as tensions erupted at Booth No. 147 in Ramchandrapur under Rajhati-1 Panchayat in Khanakul in Hooghly District, over allegations of appointing fake polling agents.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur seat, Mamata Banerjee, said, "...So many observers have come from outside. Whatever the BJP says, they are doing. Just look around, all our posters have been removed. Is this how polls take place? Votes will be cast by voters, not by the police or security forces. Some new people have recently been brought in, and they are doing whatever they want. They are doing terrorism."

According to a report by news agency PTI, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday alleged that a polling agent was assaulted by "miscreants linked to the ruling TMC" at booth number 53 in the Chapra area of Nadia district.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), 18.39 per cent voter turnout has been recorded by 9 AM.

Chaos erupted outside a polling booth in Howrah as voting began at 8.30 AM after three failed attempts to vote, owing to a machine malfunction, PTI reported.

According to news agency PTI, an EVM glitch sparked violence in Bally. The CRPF personnel detained two people.,

VIDEO | Howrah, West Bengal: An EVM glitch reportedly sparks clash in Bally. CRPF personnel detain two people.#AssemblyPollsWithPTI #WestBengalPollsWithPTI

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/Eyo6DGfTzf, — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 29, 2026

According to a report by news agency PTI, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday alleged that a polling agent was assaulted by "miscreants linked to the ruling TMC" at booth number 53 in the Chapra area of Nadia district.

BJP candidate Priyanka Tibrewal entered into a verbal altercation with polling officers and security personnel at a polling booth in Kolkata after her polling agent was reportedly asked to leave the premises due to the small size of the booth. The TMC election agent also joined the altercation, following which both of them were sent out.

LoP and BJP candidate from Bhabanipur and Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikari, visited a polling booth in the Bhabanipur constituency of Kolkata.

Over 92 per cent voter turnout was seen in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections on April 23. A similar strong participation is expected today.

The mother of the RG Kar rape and murder victim, who is also the BJP candidate from the Panihati seat, cast her vote at a polling booth on Wednesday.,

#WATCH | West Bengal Elections 2026 | Panihati: Mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim and BJP candidate from Panihati seat, Ratna Debnath shows her inked finger after casting her vote at a polling booth here. pic.twitter.com/LwhCMA4vhc, — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2026

The father of the RG Kar rape-murder victim turned emotional as he stepped out to vote in the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

The victim’s mother is contesting from the Panihati seat as a BJP candidate.

Trinamool Congress (MP) MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday cast her vote at polling booth number 120, Karimpur Girls High School in Nadia.,

#WATCH | West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: TMC MP Mahua Moitra casts her vote at polling booth number 120, Karimpur Girls High School in Nadia pic.twitter.com/x9rPVqIBoQ, — ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2026

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "Today is Phase-2 of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. Urging all those voting today to do so in record numbers and make our democracy more vibrant as well as participative. It is important that the women and youth of West Bengal, in particular, turnout in large numbers and exercise their franchise.",

Today is Phase-2 of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.

Urging all those voting today to do so in record numbers and make our democracy more vibrant as well as participative. It is important that the women and youth of West Bengal, in particular, turnout in large numbers…, — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2026

Voting for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections began at 7 AM and is scheduled to continue till 6 PM. The results will be counted on May 4.

Voting for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is underway across 142 constituencies, with over 3.2 crore electors set to decide the fate of 1,448 candidates.

Welcome to The Daily Jagran's live blog on the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections. Stay tuned for the latest updates, voter turnout figures, and key developments from the ground as over 3.2 crore voters head to the polls to decide the fate of 1,448 candidates.